Biography

Marisa A. Quinn is founder and principal of Conanicut Strategies, LLC, a consulting practice that serves mission-driven clients at the intersections of strategy, public affairs, policy development, strategic planning and communications. Marisa brings a breadth and depth of experience in the public and non-profit sectors, focusing primarily on higher education. She spent 22 years at Brown University, serving in a variety of roles including as assistant to President Ruth J. Simmons, vice president for public affairs and university relations, and chief of staff to Provost Richard M. Locke. She began her career as a legislative aide to US Senator Claiborne Pell on the Subcommittee on Education, Arts and the Humanities.  She subsequently served as policy advisor to New Jersey Governor James J. Florio; public affairs specialist at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; and chief of communications and public information at the Rhode Island Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  She graduated from the University of Rhode Island with a bachelor’s degree in political science and earned a master’s degree from the Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University.  Her board service has included ten years on the Rhode Island Ethics Commission – including five years as chair – Trinity Repertory Company and RI Kids Count.